I would be shocked if he is out the whole season.
They were not going to take a chance of him getting injured in a meaningless preseason game and now they just want him to take a week or two to get back into the offense and working again before just stepping out on the field.
I agree he will likely be back week 3 against Cleveland.
Tried to look it up, doesn't appear Manning ever went on the active roster during his injured season.
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7...go-ir-practice
That was more Polian hoping and praying he could come back and win a game or two and save his job though, which was wishful thinking at best.
Ballard I can't see doing the same and wasting a roster spot. Much different situation. If Luck is out the whole season I think they would find and sign a 33rd qb that can play